DR. PAUL BYRNE'S MEDICAL DECISIONS’ PROTECTION DOCUMENT (“MDPD”)

DR. PAUL BYRNE'S MEDICAL DECISIONS’ PROTECTION DOCUMENT (“MDPD”)

  1. Because it is not usually possible to foresee specific circumstances under which another person may have to make decisions pertaining to my health care, and since it is not feasible for me to know what specific decisions I might make in those circumstances, I have most carefully considered the principles and beliefs upon which I base the decisions that I make for myself. The following paragraphs are intended to direct those who must make decisions for me should I become unable to do so.
  2. I therefore direct my appointed representative(s) and all others involved with my medical treatment and care to follow these instructions.
  1. I wish to live the lifespan given to me by Almighty God. I direct that all medical and surgical treatments and care, including nutrition and hydration, be given to protect and preserve my life.
  1. Do not hasten death. Do not shorten life. Do not do the procedure called the APNEA Test (not a test for sleep apnea).
  1. I ask that, even when it seems that death is close, I am provided with ordinary medical treatments and care, including pain relief. However, I refuse any form of palliative care that may entail the medications for pain or sedation that may have, as a consequence, the hastening of my death and I wholly reject any form of so-called “assisted dying” (assisted suicide) (imposed death) whereby death is hastened by a lethal drug.
  2. I request that nothing be done that will directly and intentionally impose death; nor should anything be omitted when such omission would directly and intentionally impose death.
  3. Do not take any organs for transplantation or any other purpose; neither do I wish to receive organs from other people.
  4. I refuse permission to allow cremation and/or incineration after my death, seeking instead to invoke the holy sacrament of Extreme Unction and the full funeral rites of the Traditional Catholic Church in respect of a Traditional Catholic Christian funeral mass and burial.
  1. These instructions are binding not only upon my appointed representative (s) but also upon the health care professionals/ facilities having responsibility for my life and health.

10A: Statement of Medical Care Principles

Those responsible for administering medical treatment and care should pursue the following objectives: sustaining life, restoring health where possible, preventing deterioration in health and alleviating suffering. “Quality of life” assessments should not be used to determine that the person is no longer entitled to due respect, care and treatment. All treatment and care is to be given in accordance with the established medical ethics teachings of the Hippocratic Oath, in harmony with the religious tradition of the patient.

Signed…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

                  Signature of the Appointed Representative (s)/Executor……………………………………………………………………...

(Delete as necessary).

 

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Telephone/Contact details…………………………………………………………………Date………………………………

DR. PAUL BYRNE'S ADDENDUM TO THE MEDICAL DECISIONS’ PROTECTION DOCUMENT (“MDPD”)

 No DNR orders

--No APNEA testing

- No POLST orders denying any treatments or care

- No Comfort Care 

- No Palliative Care

- No Hospice 

- No to any apnea testing (not the same as sleep apnea test) whether or not considered part of the neurological exam or for assessment of any neurological injury and/or whether or not for the diagnosis or determination of “brain death” 

- No to any blood brain flow tests for the determination or diagnosis of “brain death” 

- No to organ donation

- No to being declared dead using any “neurological criteria” i.e., “brain death” criteria 

- No to being sedated to unconsciousness unless having anesthetic and operative procedure and then preferring as little drugs as possible.  

- Yes to feeding tube including PEG tube or other more permanent devices

- Yes to intravenous feedings and hydration

- Yes to CPR including chest compressions even if ribs/sternum are broken 

- Even if the Yes treatments above will not “treat” or “reverse” my condition I want them done to prolong my life, even if overall health is persistently, severely and prognosed to be irreversibly injured or disabled.  

I do not consider the “Yes” treatments, or care “burdensome” nor “extraordinary" AND I WANT THEM! 

My life has meaning and merit to and for me and I believe for others on a spiritual level, whether or not they agree, even if I am or become severely disabled, even if doctors or some clergy, et al. think the opposite and they would be within their moral or legal rights to refuse them.  I want and accept these treatments and care that may be considered in the realm of “curative medicine” to protect and preserve my life, even if “cure” of underlying conditions are not expected. Some people use time and money to play golf.  I will use mine to continue to live, even if that means assistance to be ventilated, fed, etc. My life itself will be my prayer and work, my meaningful existence, offered for the salvation of my and others’ souls.